HOMOLOVI STATE PARK TRAILS

HOMOLOVI STATE PARK TRAILS

Winslow

Tsu'vo Trail

Please don’t call this place a “ruin”.  Homolovi State Park is a Hopi ancestral village on the high plains of northeastern Arizona that teems with both animated and spiritual life.   Air-breathing, water-slurping terrestrial entities share space with invisible, but very present human souls who occupied the area from prehistoric times to 1400 AD.

March is the perfect time to visit the park. Balmy temperatures and festivities associated with Archeology & Heritage Awareness Month add bonus points to a day trip that’s enjoyable any time of year.  The park is situated at the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau where the ruddy, sun-backed terrain smacks of NASA images of the surface of Mars.  

Homolovi I

The lifeline of this unforgiving yet striking landscape is the chocolatey flow of the Little Colorado River which feeds a fringe of greenery on the site’s western edge.  Five easy hiking trails explore pueblos, dozens of ancillary structures, scattered artifacts and petroglyphs. Standing among the sketchy footprints of plazas and ceremonial structures, it’s impossible not to feel a connection with the ancient communities and their descendants. Of the four major 14-century pueblos within the park, two are open for exploration. Homolovi I is situated near the river where former inhabitants grew beans, corn and cotton on the fertile floodplain.

Homolovi II

The Homolovi II site has a half-mile, barrier-free trail that explores the park’s largest pueblo that had between 1200-2000 rooms. This hillside site provides beautiful views of treeless plains, the Hopi Buttes and Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. To get the most out of this educational trek, stop by the visitor center and ask about guided tours, demonstrations and star parties.

Tsu'vo Trail

LENGTH: 4 miles total (5 trails)

Tsu’vo: 0.6

Dine: 1.5

Nusungvo: 1.2

Homolovi 1: 0.25

Homolovi 2: 0.5

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 4850’ – 4950’

HOURS: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

FEE: $7 per vehicle, $2 walk-in/bike-in

Pottery fragment at Homolovi I

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 40 in Winslow, take exit 257 and continue 1.3 miles to the park entrance.

INFO:

https://azstateparks.com/homolovi

AZ State Parks OPEN during government shutdown

ARIZONA STATE PARKS & NATIONAL FORESTS WILL BE OPEN DURING GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

UPDATE: 10-10-13: the government shut is now forcing closure of national forest sites operated by private businesses.  Not sure why.  Check this out for first-hand updates from an owner/operator of many of these sites:
READ UPDATES from the small business that operates this site:
http://www.coyoteblog.com/
Hikers,
Although our National Parks may  temporarily shutter during the government shutdown, our ARIZONA STATE PARKS will be open for business. Access to National Forests is open, However, NF OFFICES and online camping reservation website, http://www.recreation.gov are closed. Hiking and dispersed camping are not impacted. Although I have not received any press releases regarding specific NF campground closures--it's probably a good idea to call ahead (oh, but the offices are closed)  for status of fee-camping areas. Many of these are managed by volunteer site hosts or private concessionaires  who may be keeping the gates open during the government shutdown. If you are looking for alternative places to camp, you can make reservations online:
http://azstateparks.com
WHAT'S OPEN IN ARIZONA:
http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-wired/MWR1055914/many-federal-recreation-areas-in-arizona-remain-open-during-the-government-shutdown.aspx

Arizona State Parks

WHAT TO DO AT AZ STATE PARKS IN OCTOBER

Did you know that during the Great Recession, volunteers came to the rescue to save our state parks?  All those wonderful trails and campgrounds are open, clean and ready for your next outdoor adventure. So how about showing some appreciation by visiting a park this month. Don't know where to start? Just pick up the OCTOBER issue of PHOENIX magazine and check out my article (Great Escapes, pg 56) for recreational suggestions, special October events in the parks and also how you can get involved. And, oh yeah, you can eat that 4000-calorie breakfast on the cover if you go hiking later.

ON SALE NOW

Here’s where you can find PHOENIX magazine: Safeway, Fry’s Marketplace, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sunflower Markets, Sprouts, Borders, Barnes & Noble, CVS, Walgreens, Sky Harbor Airport, Albertson’s, Fresh & Easy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Whole Foods, Basha’s, A.J.’s, La Grande Orange, The Kitchen, Area hospital gift shops WEB SITE: http://www.phoenixmag.com/ ORDER BY PHONE: 480-664-3960

The little trails at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK TRAILS

Payson

Waterfall Trail

Hikers who visit this natural wonder on the Rim often make a beeline for the Gowan Trail.  That's not a bad plan as it is widely considered the "best" trail in the park for those looking for a challenge.  The half-mile dirt route makes a steep dip into Pine Canyon where a plank bridge leads to an observation deck at the base of the world's largest tavertine arch.  If park rangers feel conditions are safe, hikers are allowed to walk through the arch, but if water levels threaten, that's not an option---so call ahead if you're dead set on the full experience.  Although Gowan Trail is the big deal, it's a mistake to ignore the park's four other hiking trails because of their short lengths.  For instance, the Waterfall Trail is a stunning walk on a 300' staircase that hugs the canyon wall above Pine Creek with a remarkably lush wall of ferns and brambles fed by spring water trickling from the rock.  The Pine Creek Trail follows the canyon-bound water that carved the bridge culminating at a tiny swimming area and junction with the Anna Mae Trail. Finally, the paved, accessible trail that leads to four viewpoints is worth a look for the viewing scopes and interpretive signs that give deeper understanding of the park's wildlife and unique geology.

The Bridge

LENGTHS:

Gowan Trail: 0.5 mile one way

Pine Creek Trail: 0.5 mile one way

Waterfall Trail: 300' one way

Anna Mae: 500' one way

Viewpoints Trails:  0.75 mile

NOTE: some trails may be closed when water levels are high

RATING: barrier-free to difficult

ELEVATION: 4530' - 4300'

HOURS: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, picnic tables, swim area, gift shop

FEE:  $5 per adult, $2 ages 7-13, Free for ages up to 6 years

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on AZ87 to Payson.  At the AZ260/87 junction in Payson, continue 10 miles north on 87 to milepost 260 and turn left at the park sign.  Follow the winding road 5 miles downhill to the entrance.  Park in the 15 minute area, go into the gift shop to purchase your pass and then move your vehicle to any of the signed trailheads. 

INFO: Arizona State Parks, 928-476-4202

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/TONA/

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4418284513992.1073741866.1795269672&type=1&l=9f66981b2d

Superstition Mountains wildflower hike

CROSSCUT-TREASURE LOOP

Tonto National Forest

Brittlebush: March 9, 2013

Blessed with a beveled topography leaning into sun-drenched exposure, the open rangeland of the western Superstition Wilderness is choice property for spring wildflowers. In addition to its fortuitous floral fortitude, the Crosscut Trail is very easy to get to, making it one of the most popular hikes for viewing annual blooms. A backdrop of abrupt volcanic escarpments that have been photographed and filmed to death (think, Jerry Maguire) add to the allure of this Apache Junction tourist magnet. 

Wild hyacinth & cholla cactus

Crosscut trail, which wanders 4.5 miles from First Water Road to Broadway in Mesa, also connects with a bevy of routes just outside the boundary of Lost Dutchman State Park.  The Treasure Loop is a favorite because it gets nice and high, brushing the base of geologic landmarks like the "Green Rock" and the "Praying Hands".  For flower lovers, the 500 feet of elevation gain and entry into damp drainage gullies, produces a variety of moisture-loving plants (Dainty Desert Hideseed) as well as those that thrive in more open and arid micro climates (Mexican Gold Poppies).   March and April are the best months for to see the blossoms before impending heat takes them out for another year. 

view from the trail

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

Follow Crosscut Trail (aka Jacob's Trail #58 and Jacob's Crosscut) 1 mile to the junction with Treasure Loop #56 and follow the signs.

LENGTH:  3.5 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2580'- 2060'

FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel east on US60 to exit 196 (Idaho Rd/AZ88).  Go left at the off ramp and follow AZ88 7 miles to First Water Road (FR78) near milepost 201 on the right. Go 1 mile on FR78 to the signed Crosscut trailhead on the right. There is NO fee to park here.

Alternate access:  For access with restrooms, maps and picnic tables enter via Lost Dutchman State Park and use the maps posted at the trailheads. The park charges a $7 daily fee per vehicle.

INFO: Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, 480-610-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35455&actid=50

MAPS: Lost Dutchman State Park

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/map.html

MORE PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3848239783230.1073741829.1795269672&type=1&l=dd73f72280

HIKING WITH TOURISTS: PART 1

GOWAN TRAIL

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Payson

As an avid hiker, one  dilemma that frequently crosses my boots is this---what to do when out-of-state guests arrive from the frozen north.  Although many of my visitors love and appreciate the outdoors (and also want me to take them hiking) few are regular hikers and none have experience in our state's special terrain.  Over the years, I've come up with a list of innocuous trails that are suitable for those equipped only with tennis shoes,  a borrowed walking stick and a bottle of water but still give good exposure to the Arizona wilds.  The Gowan Trail, which leads to the world's largest naturally-sculpted travertine arch at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, is one of those trails.  Short, engineered with steps to ease the climb  and packed with the WOW factor, this hike is always a crowd pleaser. Other short trails in the park are also “tourist-friendly”. Maps are available in the visitor center.

Suspension Bridge over Pine Creek

LENGTH: 1 mile round trip

RATING: moderate (although the trailhead sign warns of difficult terrain, it just ain't that bad)

ELEVATION:  3,155' - 2,805'

KID FRIENDLY: with supervision

DOGS: pets not allowed on the trails

FEES:

Adults (age 14+): $5

Youngsters (7-13): $2

Kiddies (0-6): free

Tonto Natural Bridge

HOURS: 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. Park is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving & Christmas

FACILITIES: restrooms, visitor center/gift shop, picnic areas, swimming, hiking
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 110 miles one way

Ice hangs from the top of the bridge: Dec. 8, 2011

GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, north on SR87 (Beeline Highway) to Payson.  From the intersection of SR87/260, continue 10 miles north on 87 to the signed turn off on the left. The paved road down to the park is narrow and steep.

INFO: 928-476-4202

http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/TONA/index.html

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM Superior So far, 2011 has been a disappointing year for desert wildflowers. For instance, last week, I drove up to Payson on SR87, which normally is lined with manic penstemons, lupines, poppies and globemallow---but not this year. Desperate for a wildflower fix, I decided to head out to Boyce Thompson Arboretum today. This beautiful Arizona state park features both native and global arid climate plants organized into a series of easy loop trails. Trail exhibits include Australian Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, Upland Sonoran, a riparian corridor along Queen Creek, a South American Desert loop and countless others. Although the wildflower show was less than awesome, it was better here than anywhere else I’ve seen this year. I also discovered that boojum trees are pretty cool. So are Mescal Bean trees, Chinese Pistacia and the resident buzzards. There’s so much to see it’s ridiculous and park volunteers are veritable fountains of information---seriously, they nearly exploded my brain on the hummingbird trail. Anyhooo, since this is a HIKING blog, I must say that I wandered nearly 4 miles within the park and still didn’t see everything. The best part for me was crossing the suspension bridge (which sways as you walk) over Queen Creek to access the “high trail”. Nearly a mile in length, the high trail is carved out of the cliffs above Queen Creek and offers some sweet views of the volcanic topography near Picketpost Mountain and Superior. LENGTH: up to 4 miles--free park trail maps available at the entrance RATING: easy-moderate ELEVATION: 2,400’-2,600’ GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, go east on US 60 to the signed turn off for the park located just outside the town of Superior. FEES: $7.50 per adult, $3.00 for kids 5-12 and FREE for kids under age 4 and under. HOURS: Sept. – April: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May – Aug. 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. DOGS: leashed dog are permitted. Bring poo bags. INFO: (520) 689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52402&id=1795269672&l=9ee8fd99c1

RED ROCK STATE PARK

RED ROCK STATE PARK Sedona Talk about diversity! This 286-acre park really packs in the eye candy in one compact, family-friendly, educational and stunningly beautiful slice of Oak Creek Canyon. More than 10 miles of well-planned, easy-to-follow trails (there are signs with maps at nearly every junction) make for effortless exploring. A dozen routes range in difficulty from the wheelchair & stroller accessible Mesquite Loop to the Eagle's Nest Trail which climbs 300-feet to a scenic lookout above the park. A good introduction to the park trail system is to make a loop hike with the Smoke, Kisva and Eagle's Nest trails. This combo is roughly 5 miles and some change in length and takes you over 3 wooden bridges that span the rushing waters and riparian life zone of Oak Creek and also to the park's yucca-and-cypress-studded high point where interpretive signs explain key features of Sedona's unique geology visible on the horizon. Your seven buck per vehicle entry fee gets you a trail map plus access to free interpretive programs and clean restrooms. LENGTH: 12 trails, 10.3 miles combined RATING: easy & accessible to moderate ELEVATION: 3,880 - 4,080 feet FEES: $10 daily fee per vehicle (up to 4 adults), $3 bike or hike in.   GETTING THERE: From the "Y" intersection of Highways 179 and 89A in Sedona, go left (toward Cottonwood) on Highway 89A for 5.5 miles to Lower Red Rock Loop Road and follow the signs 3.3 miles to Red Rock State Park. INFORMATION: http://azstateparks.com/Parks/RERO/, (928) 282-6907

ROMERO POOLS

“THE POOLS” Catalina State Park, Tucson Hemmed in by the stony slopes of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, Romero Canyon Trail #8 switchbacks uphill through classic high-desert terrain, revealing amazing views at every turn. At roughly the three-mile point, the ocotillo, creosote and Palo verde-studded hillsides give way to an oasis of waterfalls and swimming holes scoured out of Precambrian rock imbedded with streaks of glimmering quartz. Here, the perennial waters of the Romero Pools foster a green zone of riparian plant life. A tangle of moisture-loving plants including cattails, cottonwood and velvet ash flourish in the canyon’s drainage providing a cool and shady respite from the surrounding desert heat. It’s smart to hike this one early in the day to avoid brutal afternoon heat. HIGHLIGHTS: Unlikely pockets of cool water and riparian vegetation in the middle of the high desert. LENGTH: 6 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION RANGE: 2,700 – 3,600 feet NOTE: dogs are not allowed DRIVING DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 130 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, travel south on I-10 to exit 240 (Tangerine Road). Continue 13.5 miles to stoplight at Oracle Road (Highway 77), go right (south) and follow the signs to the park entrance near milepost 81. Once inside the park, follow the main road 1.5 miles to the Romero Canyon trailhead. FEES: $7 day use fee per vehicle.

INFORMATION: Catalina State Park, 520-628-5798,   http://azstateparks.com/

GOWAN TRAIL

GOWAN TRAIL Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Payson Several short trails within Tonto Natural Bridge Park lead to scenic lookout areas but it’s the Gowan trail that gets you to the really good stuff. A short but steep descent down a well-maintained dirt trail leads into a ravine where the world’s largest natural travertine bridge is tucked into a tiny canyon. Millions of years in the making, the 400-foot-long tunnel’s walls display the errie calcite formations: dripping like stretched hardened taffy/frosting hanging in ozzing layers from the ceiling that’s nearly 200-feet high. Thick spilled paint. Spring water drips from the ceiling and over the rim into Pine creek vivid green mosses and water plants forming ponds and puddles in the echoing sound of dripping water….humid and moist. The passage through the tunnel is marked by tiny brown trail arrows on the boulders. Worn to a slippery sheen by thousands of visitors scrambling over them, the boulders under the bridge create a tricky maze. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles are needed to keep on balance. Park rangers are on duty to answer questions and help hikers negotiate the quirky trail. Signs advise explores in the tunnel to stay out of the water and off the vegetation. The beauty of this natural wonder is no secret and when visiting on the weekends, you can expect to encounter crowds. LENGTH: 1 mile round-trip RATING: moderate ELEVATION GAIN: 200 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) north for 90 mile sto the town of Payson. From the intersection of Highways 87 and 260, continue on 87 north toward the town of Pine for another 10 miles to the signed turn off for the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Turn left and follow the paved winding byway downhill to the park. There’s a $3 entry fee per person and you’ll find restrooms and a small lodge and gift shop. Roads are paved all the way. The park is open during the summer months from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. INFORMATION: (928) 476-4202 www.pr.stste.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/tonto.html